Episode Summary: Hype Edwards-Helaire + NFC West Breakdown

Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: July 30, 2020
Episode Title: Hype Edwards-Helaire + NFC West Breakdown

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers delve deep into significant offseason developments impacting fantasy football managers. The primary focus revolves around Damian Williams opting out of the 2020 NFL season, the emergence of Clyde Edwards-Helaire as a potential top-tier running back, and a comprehensive breakdown of the competitive NFC West division.

1. Damian Williams Opt-Out and Its Implications

The episode opens with a major headline: Damian Williams, running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, has opted out of the 2020 season. This decision sends shockwaves through the fantasy football community, given Williams' promising performance and future potential.

• Mike Wright ([04:15]):
  "Damian Williams is going to miss the entire season. This is wild, wild, wild stuff."

• Andy Holloway ([04:46]):
  "Every player is making a decision for their family, their circumstances, and what's going on. But for fantasy decision-making purposes, we know Clyde Edwards-Helaire is going to have the opportunity."

This development opens the door for Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a rookie with significant hype, to step into a more prominent role within the Chiefs' backfield.

2. The Rise of Clyde Edwards-Helaire

With Williams out, Edwards-Helaire becomes a focal point for fantasy managers seeking high-upside running backs.

• Andy Holloway ([07:00]):
  "Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a top six fantasy running back and get it in."

• Jason Moore ([08:16]):
  "I have Clyde Edwards-Helaire at running back seven. So this is not an outlandish spot."

The hosts discuss Edwards-Helaire's versatility in both rushing and receiving, drawing parallels to successful dual-threat backs like Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara.

• Mike Wright ([11:01]):
  "And this is not being hot-takey. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is now a first-round pick."

Buy or Sell Segment: Clyde Edwards-Helaire

The trio evaluates whether Edwards-Helaire should be considered a buy or sell in fantasy drafts.

• Andy Holloway ([07:00]):
  "Buy or sell Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a top six fantasy running back and get it in."

• Jason Moore ([09:08]):
  "I think he's a better receiving back, but not as good as a runner. So I have him at running back seven for me."

Consensus: Edwards-Helaire is viewed as a high-value asset with the potential to outperform his current draft position, especially within a strong offensive framework like the Chiefs'.

3. Other Player Opt-Outs and Updates

Beyond Williams, other players have opted out or faced uncertainties, impacting various fantasy strategies.

• Devin Funches ([14:28]):
  "He was going to play or as his body opted out."
  Likely out for the season due to an ACL injury.

• Marquis Goodwin ([15:07]):
  "He's very, very fast. He still could have helped the Philadelphia Eagles."
  Opting out affects the Eagles' wide receiver depth.

• Nate Solder ([16:32]):
  "He opted out. He was not, I mean he was like PFS 46 ranked tackle last year."
  An offensive tackle opting out impacts the Rams' offensive line strength.

• DeAndre Washington and Darwin Thompson ([13:43]):
  "I have Darrell Williams as the main backup. DeAndre Washington kind of fits the bill here as a Clyde Edwards-Hilaire mold."
  Potential waiver wire pickups for dynasty league managers.

4. NFC West Breakdown

The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of each team within the NFC West, assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and fantasy implications.

a. San Francisco 49ers

Last season, the 49ers boasted a dominant rushing attack, ranking second in the league with 144 rushing yards per game and leading in rushing touchdowns.

• Andy Holloway ([20:49]):
  "They were built to win with that Kyle Shanahan running game."

However, recent changes such as the departure of Matt Breida and the acquisition of Brandon Aiyuk introduce new dynamics.

• Jason Moore ([22:40]):
  "I am not buying the injury dip."
  Referring to Debo Samuel's uncertain availability due to injuries.

Key Players:

• Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB): Strong fantasy prospects.
• George Kittle (TE): Consistently high-scoring, modeled after Travis Kelsey.
• Robert Woods & Cooper Kupp (WRs): Both positioned in top-tier fantasy rankings despite current ADPs.

b. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks finished last season with an 11-5 record, heavily relying on Russell Wilson's exceptional quarterback play.

• Mike Wright ([34:05]):
  "Russell Wilson is the QB5 right now."

• Jason Moore ([35:23]):
  "Russell Wilson is awesome for fantasy."

The offensive strategy emphasizes a run-heavy approach, occasionally turning to Wilson for big plays in critical moments.

Key Players:

• Russell Wilson (QB): High fantasy value due to his dual-threat capabilities.
• Chris Carson (RB): RB25 in best ball, with concerns over previous injuries.
• Darrell Henderson & Cam Akers (RBs): Potential flex options depending on usage and health.

c. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams' offense struggled last season, ranking 31st in passing due to offensive line issues and inconsistent quarterback play from Jared Goff.

• Andy Holloway ([44:33]):
  "Todd Gurley's out the door."

The team invests in new talent like Cam Akers and Van Jefferson to revitalize the offense under new head coach Sean McVay.

• Mike Wright ([53:19]):
  "They spent their first pick on Cam Akers."

Key Players:

• Cam Akers (RB): High upside as a first-round pick, potential RB1.
• Van Jefferson (WR): Valuable PPR asset with a prominent role in the offense.
• Robert Woods & Cooper Kupp (WRs): Central to the Rams' passing game, both hold strong fantasy potential.

d. Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray's dual-threat QB play makes the Cardinals an intriguing option for fantasy managers. The addition of DeAndre Hopkins significantly boosts their wide receiver depth.

• Jason Moore ([58:00]):
  "DeAndre Hopkins is a top-tier WR."

However, the shift from the Texans to the Cardinals raises questions about Hopkins' target distribution.

• Andy Holloway ([62:00]):
  "Clyde Edwards-Allaire is going to have the opportunity."

Key Players:

• Kyler Murray (QB): Potential for both passing and rushing touchdowns.
• DeAndre Hopkins (WR): Elite receiver, though target distribution may vary in a new offensive system.
• Christian Kirk & Larry Fitzgerald (WRs): Both offer reliable PPR value.
• Dan Arnold (TE): Late-round tight end with upside in red-zone opportunities.

5. Strategic Insights and Recommendations

Throughout the episode, the hosts offer strategic advice tailored to various fantasy formats, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in drafts and roster management.

• Andy Holloway ([27:39]):
  "He's a great fit in Arizona. This is the first time you got to see him in that system."
  Highlighting the importance of system fit for player performance.

• Jason Moore ([39:35]):
  "Tyler Lockett's ceiling is higher than what we've seen."
  Recommending Lockett over other wide receiver options based on upside potential.

• Mike Wright ([53:19]):
  "They invested two second-round picks on offensive players. Cam Akers could be a game-changer."
  Advocating for early-round picks on high-upside players like Akers.

6. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway ([04:46]):
  "Every player is making a decision for their family, their circumstances, and what's going on. But for fantasy decision-making purposes, we know Clyde Edwards-Helaire is going to have the opportunity."

• Mike Wright ([11:01]):
  "And this is not being hot-takey. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is now a first-round pick."

• Jason Moore ([08:16]):
  "I have Clyde Edwards-Helaire at running back seven. So this is not an outlandish spot."

• Mike Wright ([34:05]):
  "Russell Wilson is the QB5 right now."

• Jason Moore ([35:23]):
  "Russell Wilson is awesome for fantasy."

• Mike Wright ([53:19]):
  "They spent their first pick on Cam Akers."

• Andy Holloway ([62:00]):
  "Clyde Edwards-Allaire is going to have the opportunity."

7. Final Thoughts

The Fantasy Footballers provide a nuanced analysis of the evolving landscape in the NFC West, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and flexible in draft strategies. With significant player movements and opt-outs reshaping team dynamics, managers are encouraged to reassess their rankings and consider high-upside players like Clyde Edwards-Helaire to maximize their fantasy potential.

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